Look Who’s Going to RT: Ann Aguirre (aka Ava Gray)

Can you introduce yourself to my readers a little?
I’m Ann Aguirre. Under my own name, I write urban fantasy, romantic science fiction, and YA. As Ava Gray, I write sexy, high-octane paranormal romantic suspense, and as Ellen Connor, in collaboration with Carrie Lofty, I write apocalyptic paranormals. I’ve been writing pretty much all my life, but things took for me in 2008, and it’s been a heck of a ride. I live in Mexico with my family, where I work super hard, play video games and watch Doctor Who.

Can you introduce us to the world that you have created?
This is not a simple question. Which world? For Jax (Grimspace), I wanted to create a fictional SF universe that offered the same kind of enjoyment I used to take in my favorite SF TV series. I wanted the books to be character-driven in that same way. People have compared it to Firefly, but it’s actually an amalgam of all my favorite SF movies in the sense that I tried to analyze what I enjoyed about those films and give the world that feel with my own unique touches.

With Corine (Blue Diablo), I wanted to create a world where I could showcase what I’ve learned, living in Mexico. I take stories and superstitions and layer them in new context. I also wanted to avoid the usual critters; there are no vampires, shifters, fairies, or elves in my UF. I do have powers above and below (angels and demons and various half-breeds that come from them), along with paranormal abilities and seriously scary spellcasters. I thought that was enough to keep things interesting. I also incorporate real world current events, but in many cases, I give them a supernatural twist.

In my Skin series (Skin Game), I wanted to see if I could create a paranormal world that stems from science, not magic, and I think the results are quite intriguing. If you take a Linda Howard book and put it in a fiction blender, along with some elements from the TV show Heroes, along with a dash of X-Men, and you have the recipe for my Skin series. It should be noted that I’d come up with this idea long before I saw Heroes for the first time. I think we’d sold the first two books, in fact.

I’m won’t say much about Ellen Connor right now, except that this world is pretty kick-ass. If you like “who will survive” type movies or Mad Max-style, you’re going to love NIGHTFALL, MIDNIGHT, and DAYBREAK. Because it’s like that, only with hot sex and romance.

Will this be your first RT or are you a veteran? Any advice for those who are going for the first time?
This is my third year. I’m not sure this makes me a veteran, but it’s not my first rodeo. I feel pretty comfortable now. Advice? Don’t be overwhelmed by the crowds or the costumes. Just do what’s fun for you.

Are you speaking on any panels during RT? Are there any you are looking forward to?
I’m on a bunch of panels. Most of them are on Wednesday, but I have one on Friday too. Check the schedule for times! I hope you’ll come see me. I’m looking forward to all of them. Panels make me feel like I’m being productive.

If someone were wanting to meet up with you at RT, who should they look for?
The best thing would be to look at a picture of me on the internet and keep an eye out for me. If I’m wandering around, I’m always happy to stop and chat. If someone wanted to have a drink or a meal with me, they need to email in advance, so we can plan it. Otherwise it’s not likely to happen. The second best strategy would be to look for Lauren Dane or Larissa Ione. I tend to hang out with them if I’m not scheduled for something. Chances are, they’ll have some clue where I am, too.

About Jackie 3282 Articles
I am a 30-something SAHM with two adorable boys and a supportive husband who is very tolerant of my reading addiction. I love to read and easily go through about a dozen books a month – well I did before I had kids. Now, not so much. After my first son was born, I began to take my hobby of reviewing a little more serious and started Literary Escapism to help with my sanity. I love to discuss the fabulous novels I’ve read and meeting all the wonderful people in the book blogging community has been amazing.